Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.

This week I thought I would just display some examples of measurement at the Second Grade and see what discussions we could have on these

In this first example students were introduced to measurement as a follow up to their counting. Students had to to learn the relationship between the object being measured and the instrument being used to measure. To us as adults this seem very simple. Can you think of some ways this might not be so easy and why do we teach this concept with students being required to just add numbers only? Should teachers teach students to understand this relationship and why?

The second example is a more complex form of measurement. Students have to learn about data collection and how information collected can be represented pictorially. To an adult this may seem quite simple but what does all this information mean? Here is one student's interpretation. What sort of background does this child have?

This child probably had a base knowledge of pictographs and what the information on the graphs represent. The child would also have a knowledge of counting and comparing. The child would also have a knowledge of addition. This child may even know English well and knows how words play on another. A number of factors are involved in this one, so called, simple problem...

This problem seem quite similar but it begins with an even more complex question.  Look at the plot and state why this question is complex.

The graph represent the number of siblings each child has in their class. The question then ask, how many children are in the class?  The children therefore would have to know to not only count the physical data represented by X but also the number of students who have siblings...

Share your perspective and tell us as educators how we can enhance our teaching learning experience so that learning is meaningful, core concepts are taught, connections are made and learning is still fun.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.1

Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.3
Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.2.MD.A.4
Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another, expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.